Community comes together in wake of deadly plane crash that destroyed home

The Woodbridge community is coming together to help those affected by a deadly plane crash that destroyed one home and damaged others.

News 12 Staff

Oct 29, 2019, 8:08 PM

Updated 1,633 days ago

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The Woodbridge community is coming together to help those affected by a deadly plane crash that destroyed one home and damaged others.
A Cessna 414 crashed into a home in the Colonia section of the town Tuesday morning, causing a massive fire that spread to at least two other homes.
The pilot, identified as Dr. Michael Schloss of Virginia, was killed in the crash.
Neighbors in the homes surrounding the crash site say that they felt the impact of the crash.
“I heard the impact, which was unbelievable and I heard someone say, ‘Oh my God,’” says neighbor Jerry Bartolino.
Witnesses say that the flames from the fire rose 30 feet into the air.
Watch: Doorbell camera captures Colonia plane crash

"The flames were ... I don’t want to say mesmerized. I guess awe is a better word standing here. I never saw flames that high in my life, and I guess it was the fuel from the plane that was burning off because it was intense,” says witness Marie Westervalt.
No one on the ground was hurt in the crash. But the house that the plane crashed into was destroyed.
“It’s pretty terrifying. My wife is shook up. We know the family as acquaintances,” says neighbor Jason Krystofiak. “We’re really happy they are okay. And our thoughts are with the family of the pilot."
Woodbridge officials have organized a fundraiser to help those who were impacted by the crash. Donations in the form of checks payable to the Woodbridge Community Charity Fund and gift cards from established wholesale/retail outlets will be accepted. Donations can also be dropped off at the Evergreen Senior Center.
A GoFundMe page was also created for the family whose home was destroyed.


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